?Chapter 182:


    Richard greeted her warmly.


    “It’s been too long.


    You seem slimmer.”


    His voice carried a light, familiar tone, the kind old friends use to reconnect after years apart. Richard had an innate ability to create a cozy, inviting atmosphere effortlessly.


    Dani cut straight to the chase.


    “So, what do you need from me?”


    The interaction, though polite, retained a certain cool formality.


    Richard gestured to the staff, signaling that they were ready for their meal. While Dani focused on her food, Richard kept up his affable facade, his smile never wavering.


    “You really stand out, Dani. Bred from such a noble family, your elegance and decorum are beyond reproach. Compared to you, Joyce is barely even in the same league.”


    Dani offered no response, merely selecting a piece of sushi and continuing her meal.


    Richard continued, “In the past, I may have been unkind to you. Please, let’s put that behind us. Things have been overwhelming for me, and I know I let my frustrations slip out unfairly. I hope you can let it go, Dani.”


    From a tender age, Dani had been her mother’s shadow at stately gatherings. While her recollections of those formative years were vague, her proficiency in managing such affairs had be second nature.


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    Offering him a polite smile, she responded, “You’ve got a lot on your te, yet you found time to invite me to lunch. I really appreciate the invitation.”


    Her reply was courteous but reserved, skillfully dodging Richard’s attempt at reconciliation. His smile wavered for a moment.


    “No need to be so formal,” he suggested with a hint of warmth.


    “After all, we are family. I’ve watched you grow alongside Alexander, almost as if you were my own. There’s no need for such formality between us.”


    Observing Dani’s reluctance to engage further, Richard changed his approach.


    “I know you’ve been tied up, but how about joining us for dinner at our ce next time? With Alexander around, it would be wonderful to reconnect.”


    Dani continued to focus on her meal, maintaining her poised demeanor and refined movements.


    “Dani, I’ve asked for your time today for a couple of important reasons. First off, I owe you an apology. Alexander ryed to me what he said to you earlier. I’ve given him a piece of my mind—truly, it’s absurd to dredge up childhood stories in business dealings. It’splete nonsense! Please, don’t dwell on it. He wasn’t in his right mind. I assure you, he will apologize to you face-to-face. I hope you can find it in yourself to forgive him.”


    After a brief silence, he added, “The second matter I needed to address is this.” He reached behind him and retrieved a sketchbook. For a moment, Dani thought it was her own, but she soon realized the difference. Her own sketchbook bore an illustration of a little boy on its cover, whereas this one depicted a little girl.


    Richard opened the sketchbook and began turning the pages.


    “Over the years, Alexander has never stopped thinking about you. After he gave you that first sketchbook, he crafted this one as its counterpart. See here—he’s preserved it all this time.”


    Dani froze, her hand pausing mid-air.


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